Benefits of Exercise

Regular Exercise Reduces Large Number Of Health Risks Including Dementia and Some Cancers, Study Finds

Regular exercise can reduce many physical and mental health conditions and slow down how quickly the body ages, according to a research review summarizing the findings of 40 papers published between 2006 & 2010.

The report provides an invaluable source for both news and feature editors as it is divided into a number of key sections, ranging from: “Why should I exercise” to “I’m too busy, I don’t have time.” Health conditions covered by the review include: cancer, heart disease, dementia, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, obesity and high blood pressure.

People who take regular exercise could reduce their risk of developing around two dozen physical and mental health conditions including some cancers and dementia, as well as slowing down how quickly their body deteriorates as they age.

An extensive research review, published in the December issue of IJCP, the International Journal of Clinical Practice, says that apart from not smoking, being physically active is the most powerful lifestyle choice any individual can make to improve their health.

“The literature reviewed shows that how long people live and how healthy they are depends on a complex mix of factors, including their lifestyle, where they live and even luck” say researchers. “Individuals have an element of control over some of these factors, including obesity, diet, smoking and physical activity.

Although the focus of the study was on men’s health, the messages on physical activity are relevant to both sexes and all age groups.

* A growing body of evidence suggests that increasing physical activity can also reduce the risk of certain types of cancers, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, depression, obesity and high blood pressure.

* Evidence of the beneficial effects of physical activity in the primary prevention and management of cancer is growing and there is an association between higher levels of physical activity and lower cancer death rates.

* Research has found that walking or cycling for at least an half-an-hour a day is associated with a reduction in cancer and that when this is increased to an hour cancer incidence falls by 16 per cent.

* Evidence is mixed when it comes to specific cancers. Research has shown a strong relationship between increased physical activity and reduced colon cancer in both sexes. And men who are more active at work, not just sitting at a desk, have lower rates of prostate cancer.

* Other cancer studies show that physical activity after diagnosis can aid recovery and improve outcomes.

* Studies have also shown that men who are physically active are less likely to experience sexual performance problems.

* There is growing evidence that physical activity could decrease the risk of dementia in the elderly.

Recommendations identified by the review include:

* Healthy adults aged between 18 and 65 should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a week, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking, five days a week. And people who undertake more vigorous intensity exercise, such as jogging, should aim for 20 minutes three days a week.

* Healthy adults should aim for two strength-training sessions a week that work with the body’s major muscle groups.

* Older people can benefit from exercise that helps to maintain their balance and flexibility.

* People who are physically active should continue to exercise even when they become middle aged or elderly and those who aren’t should increase their physical activity.

* Not smoking and following a healthy diet is also important.

Ideally, to gain maximum health benefits people should exercise, not smoke, eat a healthy diet and have a body mass index of less than 25.

Physical inactivity results in negative physiological changes to our bodies. It appears that our bodies have evolved to function optimally on a certain level of physically activity that many of us simply do not achieve in our modern, sedentary lifestyles.

“What is clear from the research is that men and women of all ages should be encouraged to be more physically active for the sake of their long-term health.”

Editor’s Note: This article is not a medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, consult your physician for all medical issues. .

Journal Reference:“What men should know about the impact of physical activity on their health.” International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2010;

Mitchell Yass, DPT is the "Miracle Man" among Long Island physical therapists and now Boca Raton, Florida. With more than 18 years in practice, he has helped thousands of patients avoid surgery, eliminate chronic pain and lose weight. Patients travel from multiple states and even from abroad to seek out his unique brand of physical therapy, which makes use of targeted strength training and an intricate knowledge of how to determine the true cause of pain.

https://www.familiesonlinemagazine.com/benefits-of-exercise/https://imgsub.familiesonlinemagazine.com/uploads/2010/12/waerobics7.jpghttps://imgsub.familiesonlinemagazine.com/uploads/2010/12/waerobics7-150x150.jpg2018-08-26T05:00:44+00:00Dr. Mitch YassDiet & FitnessExercise and Fitness,HealthHeart Health, Prevent Strokes, Decrease Diabetes, Cancer and Dementia Regular Exercise Reduces Large Number Of Health Risks Including Dementia and Some Cancers, Study FindsRegular exercise can reduce many physical and mental health conditions and slow down how quickly the body ages, according to a research review...Dr. Mitch YassDr. Mitch Yass[email protected]AuthorDr. Mitchell Yass - Stop the Pain, I Want My Life BackMitchell Yass, DPT is the "Miracle Man" among Long Island physical therapists and now Boca Raton, Florida. With more than 18 years in practice, he has helped thousands of patients avoid surgery, eliminate chronic pain and lose weight. Patients travel from multiple states and even from abroad to seek out his unique brand of physical therapy, which makes use of targeted strength training and an intricate knowledge of how to determine the true cause of pain.Families Online Magazine